Cowboys & Astronauts, Chicago (Andersonville), IL

I found this place looking on a manufacturer's website for a specific product. It turned out once I was there that they no longer had that exact product, from that exact brand, but they had such a nicely curated line of items, I was able to find something else anyways. 

In general, this seems like a very wonderful men's and home decor store, tucked right into a very hip and happening neighborhood in the northern part of the city. In point of fact, I used to live in the neighborhood about 15 years ago. It has grown up a bit more, and some of the old haunts are still there as well. I loved this store and loved walking around for most of the late morning. Let's see more of what C&A offers...

... Excellent and shiny barware...

How about some felted wool wine glass identifier thingies... (probably make a great host/hostess gift, I'm just sayin')

Platters anyone?

Nice book selection...

Really well-done men's "apothecary"selection... (multiple shelves worth)

And finally, a very nice card section, some I couldn't help LOL'ing at.

To be clear, there is much more in this small two storefront location. They have men's clothing, home goods, men's accessories, and more - see for yourself...

I think you should plan to head up here for some holiday shopping and brunch. Do it! The area has a number of hand-made stores and the Swedish American Museum has opened a pop-up shop for Christmas - jatte bra!

Freddy Jones Band @ Hey Nonny, Arlington Heights, IL

A quick but awesome night in Arlington Heights. Hey Nonny is a formal concert venue, with food and drink attached next door. This area of AH is right near the Metra line and almost all new construction. They have condos, restaurants, and venues like this in a couple block radius. They're all grown up!

These guys were the reason to attend, and it was a very small venue, not packed in like sardines, but also very good sound and an excellent show. Loved it, will be back.

Illini Homecoming Weekend 2019, Champaign, IL

What a great day and trip this was! I hadn't been back in some time and luckily still know one family that has the inside line on tailgates and fun.

We wound-up in a tailgate area they always go to, with friends of theirs all around. AND, the game was amazing (though we watched it from a TV in the tailgate!). It was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon, as it always was.

After the game ended, I went on a bit of a walk-about around the campus, see some of the old haunts.The first stop though was a new statue for Dick Butkus... pretty cool.

Then onward to Wohler's Hall, and on my way saw the band at the Education Building...

For an extra dash of fun, I wanted to take the underground passage through Main Library to the Undergrad Library... still the same, but actually nicer and more user-friendly now...

... Down, down, down...

Excellent mural and usable tables & chairs now too...

Finally, I pop back up outside...

Hit Foellinger Auditorium and the Echo Point...

And then pop-up to Kam's (which we were told all weekend was closing that Sunday - it should be closed now). And that's not to say I even spent that much time there, but it was a bit of a local legend.

Finish up walking back through the Quad...

And then a little more touring and Illini gear shopping the next morning...

... Stately Altgeld Hall

And I believe this was the English Building... love the entryway brass. You don't see that kind of fabrication anymore.

Awesome trip, still a boring flat drive, I'll be back, no doubt. Maybe I'll pay off my last remaining loan someday too.

The Network Effect of Happiness

Warning: I'm going to get goopy, gloppy, mushy and soft in this post. 

To start and as a bit of a review for some of you - my employer has allowed me to work remotely from IL in order to be closer to family. On the recent trip back to the Midwest (huzzah!), I had time to think about what this gift I've been given truly is, and jot some thoughts down below. 

In a nutshell, this opportunity is HUGE... but, for reasons that have only recently dawned on me. Sure, it's great for me that they're flexible enough and trust me enough to do this. It will also allow me to help my family, which is great for us. 

But, the thing that's only recently dawned on me is something I'll call "The Network Effect of Happiness" TM. Let me explain - Not only am I happy about this change, and my family is happy (save for one cousin:), but from texts, calls, and emails I've received from people back in the Midwest, many more people are now happy too. It's like this one little act of kindness from employer to employee is making many people happy as a result. I'd like to do my best to keep this going, and also have it come all the way back to the employer in California - stay tuned.

And what about this - what if all/many/more employers and employees could create this kind of feeling or relationship throughout their company? How productive would everyone be? How happy would employees be? How happy would customers be?! I don't know if it would be easy to do, but I also don't think it would be so hard.